BLOG PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS #1.

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is re. my photography. I'm not professing to be Mrs-Photography-Bighead, I'm by no means an expert, but today I thought I'd share with you several tips and tricks I like to use in the hope they help! Let's get cracking.

Depth of field | If I'm not taking a photo from above, I like to think about my image in layers; foreground, background and all the layers in between. Pick a layer and an object(s) to focus on within that layer. And if you can get depth within an object, I think that's really interesting too.

Composition | Flat lays are definitely one of my favourite kinds of photograph, both to take and look at, and I think it's the composition of the photo, or how the objects in it are arranged, that interests me most. Sometimes I like to scatter, and arrange the objects pretty much at random, and having some objects going 'outside the lines' of the photograph can make things look more natural. An easy/cheats way to achieving the 'au naturelle' look, I find, is simply to take a photo whilst I'm tidying up or getting ready! Just tweak the 'makeup mess' on your table, take out anything ugly and voila. Other times I like a more regimented look and might arrange my objects into a square, rows and columns, or any other shape.

A nod to lighting | Again, I think this might warrant a whole post on it's own as it can make or break a photography session, but there are just a couple of things I wanted to mention. Usually, I'm looking for really full on natural light, but I'll set up in the shade to get an even fill of light in the photo. Experimenting with 'less than ideal' lighting conditions, however, can still get you that great shot. One way is to embrace shadow and make it work within your composition. Especially useful when you've missed the early morning light and now, at mid afternoon, you've got sun rays streaming in through the window. Otherwise, a good tip is to use a sheer, white curtain that disperses the light a little more evenly but still lets through the brightness you need for your photos.

Alternative backgrounds | I like the white and bright look, but it's not the easiest thing to perfect (I think it's something I'll have to revisit in a future edition of these tips aswell!). Experimenting with textured or coloured backgrounds can make your photos look far more interesting (for example wooden floorboards, black linen or Jacob Reischel's styling, like the photo I've included below, you could just use pieces of coloured card to replicate his look), and the lack of white, I think, is much easier to photograph with. It's not as light dependent and there isn't the need to worry about getting the background crisp and exceptionally white. We've got actual, proper marble in the new place, so I'm really excited about exploiting that!

Empty space | I suppose this really falls under composition too but I just wanted to stress the importance of white/empty space in a photograph. Don't feel like you need to fill the frame with objects/your subject. Giving things breathing space can make a photograph look more appealing, and can draw your eye into one area, giving things a natural focus.

Keeping it simple | Some photographs are so expertly detailed with scatterings of midi rings, beads, washi tape etcetc but I think keeping it simple is more my style. In the photo above, there are merely three objects, the compact, brush and magazine, and I don't think it needs anything else. If in doubt, cut it out!I, of course, am not feigning expert photography knowledge, nor do I think my photography is anything special, but these are just some of the things I like to think about when it comes to my blog photography so hope you find some of my little thoughts useful!

I'm more of an outdoorsy photos type of person, I must admit. Curating objects indoors make me a bit annoyed but when I do have to end up taking any, I usually just go in with some boards and alter things around... wow, great explanation there HAHAHAH. Oh flowers are great props! Other than that, I'm not that fussed I guess???

I LOVE using empty space in my blog photos, it definitely makes the composition more 'playful'. Playing around with different lighting and composition is so fun but it can be very annoying sometimes when I just can't get it quite right!

Ah I'm so in love with your photography, this is super duper helpful too! I'm always changing up my photography style and want to experiment with different lighting and layouts, love the photos with the light streaming in, so eye catching.

Yes!! Now I know your secrets!! Your pics are always outstanding and I'm so grateful for the tips!! I love a good flat lay and would love to improve my depth of field. Great tip about the curtain too! Thanks so much for sharing! Fab post!! Xxx Lisa Beauxdiaries.com xx

This was a very interesting read! I love reading about tips regarding photography. I don't have the best tools at my disposal just an Ipad and a average camera but this has inspired me to play around with it more.

Great tips! Your photos are beautiful, I'm still learning how to use my camera, I think I'm getting the hang of that now so I need to start experimenting with backgrounds and props next, thank you this was very helpful :)